News

Oregon bans tobacco sales to under 21s, matching rules on marijuana

NewsPosted Aug 13 2017

In a statewide effort to better the health of it's youth, Oregon has decided to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco from 18 up to 21, the same age needed to be able to purchase cannabis products in the state. According to Oregon's public health department, around 7,000 Oregon residents die each year due to cigarette-related illnesses. While most adults in the U.S. may be familiar with a legal purchasing age limit of 18 for tobacco, it's becoming more common as states like California, Hawaii, Maine and New Jersey have also adopted similar policies. The new age limit will go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2018 and will include tobacco products and vape devices.

Oregon is raising the minimum age for buying tobacco and e-cigarettes in the state to 21, bringing its regulations into line with sales of marijuana products.

The new law, signed by Governor Kate Brown on Wednesday and taking effect on Jan. 1, bans under-21s from buying tobacco products and vaping devices, and makes vendors liable for fines for under-age sales.